Finding the best gluten free eats in New Westminster

Angelina’s Restaurant: Best Gluten Free Breakfast in New Westminster

One of the best breakfasts I ever had was a slightly crisp pannekoek the size of my plate, smothered in melted gouda, sliced mushrooms, and chunks of perfectly-cooked bacon. You might not believe it, but I didn’t discover this breakfast until after I found out I couldn’t have gluten! Angelina’s Restaurant on the Quay proves that authentic Dutch breakfasts don’t need to contain gluten to be exceptional. (Or egg-ceptional)

Gluten Free Options at Angelina’s:

The pannekoeken: They’re very proud of their gluten free pannekoeken, and it shows. The other gluten free pannekoeken I’ve tried have been closer to doughy pancakes. But the ones at Angelina’s are thin, slightly crisp, and have that proper “bubbly” texture. They’re cooked separately from the pannekoeken that contain gluten, so there’s less risk of cross contamination. You can order the pannekoeken with a variety of sweet or savoury toppings. My personal favourite is the bacon, mushroom, and cheese (with your choice of cheese).

The toast: If you’re in the mood for a more traditional breakfast, gluten free toast is part of their bread selection. It’s not mentioned on the menu, but it is available. Just ask one of the friendly staff!

The breakfast platters: There’s only one word to describe the breakfast platters at Angelina’s: EPIC. They come with your choice of meat (the meat options are all gluten free) or a vegetarian option, 2 eggs, roasted potatoes, fresh fruit, and gluten free toast. And the meat is not limited to a mere two or three strips of bacon, oh no. The few times I’ve been hungry enough to order the platter, the bacon covered more than half of the plate! It was the only instance in recorded history where I’ve been unable to finish all the bacon put in front of me.

The fruit bowl: If you feel like a lighter breakfast, try the fruit bowl. It’s legendary! I haven’t found a fruit bowl yet that can match Angelina’s for variety of fruit and freshness.

The omelettes: The 3-egg omelettes are gluten free, and are also served with roasted potatoes, fresh fruit, and toast.

The hash: The ingredients in the hash don’t contain gluten, but make sure to order it without hollandaise, and with gluten free toast.

What to Watch Out For:

The hollandaise: The hollandaise sauce is made from a mix, and contains gluten.

The waffles and French toast: They may look delicious, but the waffles and French toast are not gluten free. Try a gluten free pannekoek with a fruity topping and whipped cream if you’re looking to indulge your sweet tooth.

The Eggs Benedict: This breakfast classic has hollandaise and English muffins, so it’s not safe for gluten intolerant breakfasters.

The Service:

The staff is quite knowledgeable when it comes to gluten free breakfast options. On my first visit there, I mentioned that I was gluten free, and the server ran over the menu in detail, listing what I could have and what wasn’t safe. Although the restaurant is not a 100% gluten free environment, they are aware of the potential for cross contamination, and cook the gluten free items separately to try and prevent it. The service is unfailingly friendly and attentive, even during the busiest hours.

The Restaurant:

With its convenient location right on the Quay, Angelina’s is a very popular spot for breakfast. If you go on a weekend, especially around brunch, be prepared for a bit of a wait. But the food is absolutely worth waiting for! Since their focus is breakfast and lunch, they’re open from 6:30 AM until 2:30 PM Monday through Friday. To accommodate later breakfast-seekers on weekends, they stay open until 3:00 PM.

The restaurant itself is rather small, which is why there’s often a wait for a table. However, it’s bright and clean, with large windows, and fresh flowers on the tables year-round. In warmer weather, they often set up a few tables outside, so you can enjoy a view of the river as you eat. Dutch-style decorations are dotted here and there, adding personality and charm.

The Verdict:

Angelina’s is a bright, cozy place to enjoy an exceptional gluten free breakfast. Their pannekoeken are amazing, their breakfast platters epic, and the service is fast and friendly.

Happy pannekoeking!

If this is your business and your gluten free options have changed, please let me know! My goal is to provide the most up to date information on New Westminster’s gluten free choices.